St Mary’s Junior School shortlisted for Independent Prep School of the Year

We are delighted to announce that St Mary’s Junior School has been shortlisted for the Independent School Parent Magazine’s Independent Prep School of the Year Award 2020.

The awards asked to see evidence of success stories that featured both individuals and innovative practice for a judging panel of heads, governors, parents and representatives from across the sector.

The Independent Schools of the Year 2020 is an awards scheme that has been designed by Independent School Parent magazine to recognise and applaud the varied and imaginative ways in which independent schools prepare young people for their future lives. 

Prep is a vital stage in the St Mary’s journey. Girls discover new adventures, talents and skills, whilst building an exceptional foundation for Senior School.

Prep life reflects characteristics that define a ‘St Mary’s education’:

Empowering girls to dream big

As an all-girls school, St Mary’s pupils regularly breakdown gender barriers. In 2019, Year 6 pupils represented the UK, competing as the only all-girls team in the RoboCupJunior Euro Robotics Championships.

Inspiring curiosity

Our Junior School curriculum is all about injecting challenge and interest into learning. Lessons extend across Cambridge – from robotics at Cambridge Science Centre to extinction prevention at the Museum of Zoology. Initiatives including our Climate Change Week and Festival of Ideas, bring expertise, ideas and topical issues into school, informing opinions as girls expand their knowledge of the world.

High Performance Learning

With clear leadership and dedicated teaching, we implemented High Performance Learning (HPL). 

All teachers use HPL as a structure to nurture a core set of skills, values and attitudes; including analytical, creative thinking and metacognition skills, collaboration and empathy. HPL provides a pathway of continuity from Prep to Senior School.

Mr Matthew O’Reilly, Head of Juniors at St Mary’s School, Cambridge says: “I am delighted that we have been shortlisted for such a prestigious award. It is a testament to our living ethos, and the dedication of all our staff, who ensure that all of our girls know that #yesshecan be whomever she wants to be, whether that’s a sportswoman, an artist, a scientist or an author.”